Cloth With Jewelers Rouge For Vulcanite Stems

[mingc]

I think you can protect vulcanite, once it's polished shiny, from brown haze from saliva, with a protective layer of wax. Either canauba or paragon. But once the brown haze is there, it will have to be mechanically removed. I just don't think there's any other way to get rid of the brown haze

 

[sablebrush52]

FYI from manufacturer just to clarify: Simichrome is specially-formulated using the finest micron particle size abrasive of any polish available combined with special cleaning agents. Because the abrasive particles are so fine, Simichrome will not harm uncoated metals surfaces.

Right. It's weird stuff. The particulate is so fine that when you tap on the tube it vibrates. Do a search to read up on it.

 

[ofafeather]

Right. It's weird stuff. The particulate is so fine that when you tap on the tube it vibrates. Do a search to read up on it.

I remember that feeling. Used to use it to polish silver and gold flutes.

 

[edger]

Thank you all so much. I’m getting some Simichrome!

 

[cosmicfolklore]

But Simichrome smells like axel grease and shit. It actually smells just like a very old oxidized stem that has been setting in a fishing tackle box for a few years, right next to the pack of catfish bait you forgot you even had.

I use a jeweler's cloth. It's not great for cleaning an oxidized stem, but it works for me to keep the polish high on the stems after each use, preventing oxidation. But, I will also use a touch of Renaissance Wax (which doesn't smell great either, but the smell dissipates quickly) on my pipes after a deep clean.
But, after rinsing with water, the jeweler's cloth does a great job of bringing back a shine to my stems, especially to get the part at the bit that goes in my mouth shiny again. Just a tad bit of elbow grease.

 

[Mr.Mike]

Acrylic.

Shut your mouth!

 

[jpmcwjr]

To retard oxidation, mineral oil or Obsidian® oil does the trick, and often covers light oxidation.

Removing is another kettle, well covered above.

 

[Toast]

Thank you all so much. I’m getting some Simichrome!

Just looked for this on Amazon (UK) & it recommended Autosol. Specifically designed to get rid of oxidisation - on metal - has anyone tried this? It looks a pretty quality product...

 

[cosmicfolklore]

To retard oxidation,

Dammit John, we don't use that word anymore. You should say, "mentally challenged oxidation."

 

[Toast]

Specifically designed to get rid of oxidisation

Actually, probably best to scratch that comment altogether. It's been a long day. Tarnish is oxidisation & that's been covered in the multiple posts about metal polishes earlier.

Sorry all!

 

[olkofri]

Shut your mouth!

Horn!

 

[mingc]

Acrylic.

Ysh

 

[cigrmaster]

If the stem is made from high grade German Vulcanite my Obidisian stem oil works great. Just wipe a little on let it set a while rub it off and bang all shiny.
If the stems are the old sulphur laden ones, then you work like a dog for as long as you own the pipe. I have not bought a stem like that for well over a decade. I am lazy, I don't have a rouge wheel but I can pull chunks of rouge out of my ass on demand.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

but I can pull chunks of rouge out of my ass on demand.

Please dear bejeebus, someone shoot anyone who demands this of Harris in the face.

 

[BROBS]

If the stem is made from high grade German Vulcanite my Obidisian stem oil works great. Just wipe a little on let it set a while rub it off and bang all shiny.
If the stems are the old sulphur laden ones, then you work like a dog for as long as you own the pipe. I have not bought a stem like that for well over a decade. I am lazy, I don't have a rouge wheel but I can pull chunks of rouge out of my ass on demand.

Harris,
@cosmicfolklore uses lots of rouge.. maybe you should send some his way?

 

[Chasing Embers]

If the stems are the old sulphur laden ones, then you work like a dog for as long as you own the pipe

After I've burned off the oxidation, it hasn't returned.

 

[solideogloria86]

Go to the Pharmacy, buy some unscented chap stick that has some sayalic acid, after smoke butter the stem, let it sit for a while, when you wipe brown be gone!

Gonna give this a shot.